Swansea City v Preston North End - Sky Bet ChampionshipGetty Images Sport

VIDEO: Snoop Dogg gets rapturous welcome from Swansea fans & guard of honour as minority owner also visits dressing room after Preston draw

  • Snoop Dogg rocks South Wales

    Snoop, arriving fresh from his duties as 'Coach Snoop' at the Winter Olympics with Team USA, was treated to a reception normally reserved for club legends. Dressed head-to-toe in white Swansea-branded gear and carrying a speaker, the 54-year-old took to the pitch for a pre-match lap of honour. Fans responded by waving white towels that had been left on every seat, creating a sea of white as the rapper soaked up the atmosphere. The club had even urged supporters to be in their seats 20 minutes early to join the icon in a "pre-match towel twirl" inspired by American sports traditions.

  • Advertisement
  • Swansea City v Preston North End - Sky Bet ChampionshipGetty Images Sport

    Snoop’s 95th-minute thrill

    On the pitch, the narrative threatened to turn sour when Daniel Jebbison put the visitors ahead in the 26th minute, silencing the record crowd that had flocked to see their famous owner. Snoop, who watched most of the match from the stands but moved to the club lounge for the final stages, missed the live action of the equaliser but was caught on camera celebrating the 95th-minute leveller from Liam Cullen. "Way to go buddy," Snoop could be heard saying as he applauded the striker’s last-gasp heroics on the television screens inside the stadium.

    The rapper’s visit wasn't just limited to the directors' box. Snoop has immersed himself in the local culture during his 24-hour stay, which included a private performance in Llansamlet and a visit to the club's training ground. He previously expressed his pride in the investment, stating he was "proud" to support the Welsh side because they are "an underdog that bites back, just like me." His involvement adds another layer of stardom to a board that already features television host Martha Stewart and Croatian icon Luka Modric.

  • Heckingbottom’s cheeky tunnel observation

    While the atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive, Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom was quick to offer a dry assessment of the evening’s unique circumstances. Speaking after the game, the Lilywhites boss joked that the celebrity presence hadn't disrupted his players, though he did notice one particular change in the air. Heckingbottom quipped: "The only thing I noticed different was the smell of weed in the tunnel before the game!" This light-hearted jab highlighted the surreal nature of having one of the world's most famous cannabis advocates in the building.

    Despite the humorous comments from the opposition dugout, the focus remained on the impact Snoop Dogg has already made at the club since his arrival last summer. The rap icon has brought a global spotlight to Swansea, and his first live match experience was a testament to the brand growth the club is currently experiencing. After the final whistle, it was reported that the owner also visited the dressing room to congratulate the players on their resilient performance after the late draw.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Swansea City v Preston North End - Sky Bet ChampionshipGetty Images Sport

    A new era of celebrity ownership

    Swansea’s model of high-profile minority investment mirrors the success seen at other clubs like Wrexham, and the presence of the "Dogg" has clearly resonated with the Jack Army. The record attendance for a match at the stadium since its opening in 2005 suggests that the "Snoop effect" is more than just a marketing gimmick; it is actively driving interest and engagement. His interactions with star-struck fans and his genuine enthusiasm for the team’s late comeback have solidified his status as a popular figure among the local faithful.

    As the club looks to climb back toward the Premier League, having a global megastar as an active participant in their journey serves as a powerful tool. Whether it is towel twirls or dressing room visits, the rapper is fully leaning into his role as a club director. The draw against Preston may have only yielded a point, but the evening felt like a victory for the club’s global profile. For Swansea City, the journey is now about more than just football; it is about the "party" that Snoop Dogg has officially brought to Wales.

0